Logo
Association of Academic Museums & Galleries.

Chief Executive Officer

Association of Academic Museums & Galleries., Detroit, Michigan, United States, 48228


COMPANY OVERVIEW

Motown Museum is the ongoing heartbeat of the Motown legacy—a global tourist destination for music and history fans that celebrates the authentic story of Motown from its humble beginnings to its emergence as the “Sound of Young America” and beyond. The Museum brings together fans, people, and ideas from different generations and captures the imagination to fuel dreams and inspire accomplishments. Millions of music lovers from North America, Europe, Asia, and around the globe have visited the original site where Motown Records began, and the “Motown Sound” was born. This humble yet inspiring neighborhood home launched the remarkable careers of iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson, as well as the Miracles, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, and more. The mission of the Museum is to preserve, promote, and celebrate the authentic Motown story as a platform for others to flourish as thinkers, creators, neighbors, and entrepreneurs. In 1985, Esther Gordy Edwards, former Motown executive and sister to Berry Gordy, founded Motown Museum to preserve the company’s history as an American success story and to satisfy public demand to see where the Motown magic originated. Today, a State-designated Historic Site and local community anchor, the Museum is an essential pilgrimage for musicians and music-lovers worldwide that inspires and serves as a platform for tomorrow’s talent and entrepreneurs. Motown Museum has undertaken a $65-million expansion campaign to realize a transformative vision which will celebrate Motown’s history, its impact, music, and contributors through immersive and interactive exhibits. When complete, the Motown Museum will transform into a nearly 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art entertainment and education destination, engaging the community and attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to Detroit annually from around the world. ROLE SUMMARY

At this pivotal time in Motown Museum’s growth, this role requires a visionary leader who can successfully carry out the mission of Motown Museum and contribute to the vision for an expanded world-class facility that produces authentic experiences, events, and educational programs. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) should also be enthusiastic about music and have the entrepreneurial mindset to create strategic partnerships with other influential leaders and brands. The next CEO will be the leader of Motown Museum, reporting to the Board of Trustees through the Chair of the Board. The CEO will work in partnership with the Board of Trustees and external consultants to execute Motown Museum’s vision for exhibition, education, and community engagement. The CEO will be responsible for contributing to and executing the plan, which addresses Motown Museum’s programming, marketing, fundraising, education, governance, and capital needs. The CEO must be a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate leader capable of overseeing operations and a professional workforce. The CEO will act as an ambassador for this iconic Museum, serving as a spokesperson on behalf of the work of the community. Further, the CEO will work closely with the Director of Development and Community Activation, play a leadership role in fundraising, and will enthusiastically approach resource-building with bold creativity and clarity of purpose. An intentional focus on increasing and diversifying financial support from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders will be vital for annual operations and capital needs and to build the Museum’s endowment. CANDIDATE PROFILE

The CEO will be a dynamic, high-energy leader with a minimum of 10 years of strategic leadership experience, preferably in a growing museum or historical society with an emphasis on historical sites, African American history, or the arts and legacy brands. The CEO must have demonstrated experience building and/or re-establishing an organization or portion of an organization. This leader will have a bias for action with a demonstrated record as a change agent. As a leader, the CEO will display superb managerial, financial knowledge and problem-solving skills. Additionally, they will possess underlying ethical values, integrity, strength, and confidence, along with well-honed collaborative skills. STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND BOLD VISION

The CEO will have an entrepreneurial spirit and be able to guide and substantially contribute to the continued articulation of the identity, values, mission, and strategy of the Museum. They will work with the Board to construct the vision that, upon implementation, will bring to life an inspirational future for the Museum and transform it into a destination that will continually draw new audiences. BUSINESS ACUMEN AND MUSEUM MANAGEMENT

The CEO will be results-oriented and able to translate the Museum’s over-arching goals into clear objectives for the Board and staff. They will employ best-in-class governance principles to leverage the Board’s strengths to advance the mission of the museum and actively engage constituents in its work. The CEO will have a track record of successful Board development and management and will always partner closely with the Board. STRENGTHEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS

The CEO must cultivate, support, and motivate the organization’s staff and promote a positive, multicultural work environment. They will provide inspirational, well-conceived, and effective management by fostering a culture of strong department collaboration, open communication, and accountability among staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors. COLLABORATOR AND BRIDGEBUILDER

The CEO will persuasively communicate the Museum’s direction and strategy both internally and externally and will ensure effective communication among the wide range of collaborators. They will be skilled at building and sustaining excellent relationships at multiple levels and with varied constituencies to ensure the Museum has the leadership and partnerships in place to achieve its goals. DEVELOPMENT

The CEO must be a prolific or proven emergent fundraiser with a track record of bringing in new sources of funding. They will have an inspirational approach to building collaboration and buy-in, generating support from new and existing interested parties. The CEO will be able to elevate Motown globally across current and yet-to-be explored platforms. Primary Responsibilities Lead the organization and implementation of Motown Museum’s strategic plan. Elevate and expand Motown Museum’s financial position and assets locally, nationally, and internationally. Oversee/Direct the development of a strong, professional, and motivated staff. Effectively foster a respectful and inclusive work environment to ensure all employees feel valued and welcomed. Responsible for the overall financial health of Motown Museum through developing, monitoring, and reporting on operating and capital budgets. Develop and maintain business policies and procedures that ensure the efficient and professional operation of the organization. Engage and maintain effective and productive relationships with Board Members to maximize their stewardship and commitment to Motown Museum’s growth and success. Engage National Legacy Council (NLC) Co-Chairs and members to raise expansion dollars. Collaborate with the Board Chair to ensure successful completion of expansion by working with contractors, vendors, and committees. Work with the Board Chair to plan Board meetings, distribute communications, and follow up on action items. Work in partnership with Board Chair and Nominating Committee on Board development and fundraising. Lead with creativity and innovation for the continued enhancement of Motown’s programmatic, educational, and community development activities. Qualifications Minimum of 10 years’ successful experience in a management and/or leadership position; within a music or cultural arts institution, history museum, legacy brand or community-based organization preferred. Commitment to upholding a strong organizational culture by leading with the values of Motown Museum and dedication to inspiring and mentoring staff. Knowledge of Motown history preferred. Proven network of professional relationships and resources (both locally and nationally) to support the advancement of the Museum. Strong relationship-builder with proven fundraising experience securing major gifts of six-figures or more preferred. General management experience with a strong understanding of finance, budgeting, information systems, human resources, and facilities management. Demonstrated ability to move organizational projects forward in an inclusive and streamlined manner. Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Education Master’s degree required. Advanced degree in arts and culture management, nonprofit management, or related field preferred. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The range will be $200k – $275k. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Motown Museum provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, citizenship, religion, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression (including transgender status), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

#J-18808-Ljbffr